Seeking a steak for breakfast? That's easy to find. If the urge to grab a burger strikes at 3:00 in the morning, it's no problem. Las Vegas never sleeps, and, as a result, there's always something to do and somewhere to eat at all hours of the day. "Last call" doesn't really exist in Las Vegas, and, instead, bars and pubs eventually just close their doors for the night (or early in the morning) when things start to slow down.

The casinos are open around the clock, of course, so there's always somewhere to stretch out restless legs, and because the weather is decent year round in Las Vegas, people watching on the Strip and downtown is always an option. Most stores, clubs, attractions and restaurants have closing hours, but there are always a few that cater to the 24-hour audience, so visitors never have to feel like they are the only ones awake. — Joanna Haugen

Bauman Rare Books is well known among antiquarian booksellers, and marks a striking contrast to most of the shops and boutiques you'll find in Las Vegas. Having worked in the rare book business in the past, I can't resist a beautifully tooled leather binding and the crinkle of pages brought to life by engravings. — Bryan Kitchafar

I've never been a big fan of Las Vegas. But a recent extended trip in Sin City changed my perspective. With camera in hand, I began capturing the city one picture at a time. The lights, color, contrast and shimmer enveloped me and I fell in love. Vegas is a hedonist's paradise. And it's also a place that can take you away on a magical ride of light if you allow it. — Michela Baxter

Visiting the Strip? Save time for its spas. One of my favorites: Qua, at Caesars Palace. The Roman baths make you feel like you've left Las Vegas behind, and the snow room is worth a (quick -- it's cold!) stop. Then the treatments are out of this world. On my most recent visit, I got the Nagomi treatment, on the mini-menu for the new Nobu boutique hotel inside Caesars. It included a therapeutic massage and excellent facial with a new fizz-like layer that worked on my skin. I couldn't think of a better way to start my day.

Photo: Abby Tegnelia, AFAR.com

A spa oasis at Qua Spa

Visiting the Strip? Save time for its...

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Best Thai in Vegas, possibly in the U.S.

Check Lotus of Siam out. A hidden gem that is well known throughout the culinary world. All of the famous chefs and foodies go out of their way to eat here.

There's something about Las Vegas that encourages people to party, and party hard, whatever the reason. Themed bars and attractions, such as Irish pubs, latch on hard to the one or two holidays that truly speak to its demographic, while nightclubs and casino resorts in general love to dress up for and celebrate everything from Mardi Gras to the Day of the Dead. Though some of the celebrations might seem a little odd, visitors will likely get more out of the festivities if they embrace them rather than avoid them. When in Vegas, do as Vegas does.

The fresh and local food movement has hit Vegas in recent years, and the fresh52 farmers & artisan market is a great way to discover the best that Vegas has to offer. Also, the Sunday markets often feature live entertainment, chef's demonstrations, and activities for the kiddos as well. — Bryan Kitchafar

For their morning cup of joe, many locals living and working on the west side of the city head to Sambalatte, a locally owned coffee shop with an extensive caffeine-fueled menu and a laid back vibe. It's common to find local runners and cyclists catching up with each other after their morning workouts, college students and writers plugged in and working diligently on papers, and folks dressed in business clothes having meetings, all within a few tables of each other.

In addition to coffee (often adorned with lovely foam art), Sambalatte offers sandwiches, quiches and pastries to hungry patrons. Musicians perform for guests in the evening.

Photo: Joanna Haugen, AFAR.com

Coffee art at Sambalatte

For their morning cup of joe, many...

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Catching the sunset in the Valley of Fire

This park is amazing. You can easily spend the whole afternoon here, as we did (we stayed until we ran out of daylight). My last picture of the day was this beautiful sunset over the desert. I recommend staying the extra few minutes to watch the sun set. The park is about an hour from Vegas so if you are in the area, take the afternoon off and explore it.

Photo: Jen Koch, AFAR.com

Catching the sunset in the Valley of Fire

This park is amazing....

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Fresh produce from Gilcrease Orchard

Las Vegas may be seated in the heart of the Desert Southwest, but there are still a few places to pluck apples from trees and choose the biggest pumpkins from right off the vine. Gilcrease Orchard is one of those places.

The orchard is only open seasonally, but when it is open, people descend upon it in herds to get their hands on several varieties of apples, leafy greens, peaches, pears, plums and many row crops. Grab a gallon of the orchard's famous apple cider if you decide to visit!

Las Vegas doesn't have a professional sports team, but where it lacks in pro sports, it makes up for it in quirky athletic teams and plentiful sporting events. The city has minor league baseball and hockey teams as well as university athletic teams, a roller derby league and a Legends Football League (formerly Lingerie Football League) team.
In addition to the teams that represent Las Vegas, dozens of sporting events are held in Las Vegas every year including the World Series of Poker, National Finals Rodeo, the Rock-n-Roll Marathon and the Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational golf tournament. — Joanna Haugen

Happy hours (and reverse happy hours after about 10:00 p.m.) are one of Vegas’s best kept secrets. Belly up to the bar of gourmet restaurants like Aria’s American Fish for excellent deals on drinks and bites such as lobster rolls and mac ‘n’ cheese. Hit up Red Square Bar at Mandalay Bay for drinks specials and a taste of caviar, or visit nearby Stripsteak. Try the cocktails at the Cosmopolitan's Comme Ça, or head to Fashion Show mall and check out RA Sushi or El Segundo Sol. If you're inside the Forum Shops in Caesars, both Trevi and Sushi Roku have happy hour specials to put a smile on your face. — Abby Tegnelia

Experience the Strip in all its glory — but also get out and see Las Vegas like a local. Members of the AFAR travel community share favorite spots — from farmers markets to hip coffee shops – that show another side of Sin City.